Puerta del Sol, which is Spanish for ‘Gate of the Sun’, is one of Madrid’s most popular tourist destinations.

These gates were once the way into Madrid. Like many medieval towns it was surrounded in the 15th century by a protective wall and it is through the gates that entry to the city was gained. This made them known to traders and visitors from all over the world and the site remained a meeting place after the walls surrounding Madrid were taken down. And for many in Madrid, it is still a great place to meet friends and family, both old and new.

Beautiful Spanish architecture can be viewed all over the area, in addition to many statues and monuments, one of the most famous being the huge sculpture of a bear munching in the fruit from the madrone tree,(The Spanish word for this plant as well as the bear is a strong symbol for the people of Madrid).

In Puerta del Sol, there is a piece of concrete that marks the origination point of Spain’s six major highways that wind their way through the country. And if one visits during the New Year, you can visit the House of the Post Office where all the festivities take place. It’s therefore not only a good point from which to begin to explore the city, but to explore the country as a whole.

The area is a short walk from other major Madrid attractions, the Plaza Mayor and the Palacio Real (Royal Palace), Parliament is not far away, and there’s a Metro station for easy access to and from the site.

Madrid is a labyrinth of side streets and alleys where homes and little shops alike dot the sidewalks. You could spend your entire vacation just exploring these. But Madrid and Puerta del Sol are not just places to visit during the daylight hours. At night is when the real fun begins; as bars and cantinas and cafes become packed with tourists and residents, the street performers come out and entertain all.

Learn More : Spanish Phrases

The Palacio Real (Royal Palace) in Madrid is renowned for its classical architectural splendor and for the statutes, monuments and gardens that surround it. Occupied by a long series of Spanish rulers until 1931, the palace, which took 25 years to build, was once the center of power for a dynasty that ruled half the then-known world in the 18th century.

The palace is open to the public, and even though less than 10% is available for viewing, there is still more in it than can be seen in a single visit. It’s made up of nearly three thousand rooms, 240 balconies and over forty staircases, and lavish and lush furniture, decorations, ornaments and other objects can be seen everywhere.

Two incredible pieces of history you will witness at the palace are the Throne Room, where the plans of attack of what was once the world’s most renowned global force were developed; and the Royal Army, which exhibits numerous weapons and armor and an array of medieval torment devices that were employed during the Spanish Inquisition.

Tours also pass through the famous Royal Library, which houses many first editions of important Spanish writings, and the Royal Pharmacy, which has an interesting view into old medical practices, and also the amazing banquet hall, where much notable European royalty has dined.

Outside of Palacio Real, you can walk through the Royal Gardens (which are the most famous in Madrid), enjoy the sight of the Manzanares River, and watch the changing of the guards.

To see all the sights and take in all the history of Palacio Real, a two-hour guided tour is the way to go. These $30 tours sell out quickly, mostly during the summer, and it is best if they are reserved ahead of time. If you want to remember what you have witnessed at the palace you will be allowed to purchase postcards and picture albums there, since you will not be permitted to take photographs.

Source : Spanish Phrases